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Can you still breastfeed if you have breast implants?

Can You Still Breastfeed if You Have Breast Implants?
The question of whether women with breast implants can successfully breastfeed is one that many expectant mothers grapple with. The good news is that most women with breast implants can indeed breastfeed. This reassurance comes from various medical sources and experts who emphasize that while there may be some challenges, the ability to nurse is generally preserved.
Understanding the Impact of Breast Implants
Breast implants, whether silicone or saline, do not typically prevent breastfeeding. According to medical professionals, the majority of women who have undergone breast augmentation can breastfeed successfully. However, it is important to note that some women may experience difficulties, such as a reduced milk supply. This can be particularly true for those who have had cosmetic procedures that might affect the breast tissue or nerves involved in milk production.
Factors Influencing Breastfeeding Success
Several factors can influence a woman’s ability to breastfeed after getting implants:
1. Surgical Technique: The method used during breast augmentation can play a significant role. For instance, implants placed under the muscle may have less impact on milk production compared to those placed over the muscle. Additionally, incisions made in certain areas (like the armpit or belly button) may preserve more of the breast tissue and nerves.
2. Nerve Sensation: Maintaining sensation in the nipples is crucial for breastfeeding. If a woman retains feeling in her nipples post-surgery, it is a positive sign that the nerves are functioning properly, which can aid in breastfeeding.
3. Milk Supply: While many women can produce enough milk, some may find that their supply is lower than expected. This can lead to the need for supplementation with formula, which is perfectly acceptable.
Tips for Successful Breastfeeding
For mothers with breast implants, there are several strategies that can enhance the breastfeeding experience:
– Consult a Lactation Specialist: Working with a lactation consultant can provide personalized support and techniques to improve milk supply and address any challenges.

– Monitor Baby’s Feeding: Keeping an eye on the baby’s feeding patterns and weight gain can help assess whether breastfeeding is going well or if supplementation is necessary.
– Stay Informed: Understanding that breastfeeding success can vary widely among women, regardless of whether they have implants, is important. Many women without implants also face challenges.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding with implants is not only possible but often successful for many women. While there may be some hurdles, such as potential issues with milk supply, the overall outlook is positive. Expectant mothers with breast implants are encouraged to seek guidance from healthcare professionals to navigate their unique situations and ensure the best outcomes for themselves and their babies.

What do implants look like after breastfeeding?

Although breastfeeding won’t change your implants, unfortunately the same is not always true for natural breast tissue and skin. The natural breast tissue enlarges during pregnancy as the breasts engorge with milk.

Do men care if a woman has breast implants?

Josef Hospital in Bochum, Germany, found that “about half of men nowadays accept artificially enlarged breasts in women.” It’s a 50/50 split. The reasons why some men may like or dislike breast implants in women they are pursuing varies as well.

Will breast implants affect breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding with breast implants
If the incisions are under the fold of the breast or through your armpit, you should not have any problems breastfeeding. But if the incision is around the areola, you may have problems as there’s a chance the milk ducts have been cut. There’s no real way of knowing until you try.

Is it OK to have implant while breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If it’s fitted on or after day 21, you’ll need to use additional contraception such as condoms for the next 7 days. The implant is safe to use while breastfeeding and will not affect your baby or milk supply.

Do fake boobs feel different?

With your final results in place, if you have saline implants, your breasts will likely feel firmer than they did before the procedure. Breasts with silicone implants will still feel a bit firmer than natural breast tissue, but they will have a suppleness that often isn’t present with saline implants.

What happens if you get an implant while pregnant?

Good evidence shows that implants will not cause birth defects and will not otherwise harm the fetus if a woman becomes pregnant while using implants or accidentally has implants inserted when she is already pregnant.

Is it more difficult to breastfeed with implants?

In my study, I found implants don’t necessarily have an impact on the mother’s ability to secrete milk. I did note women with a periareolar incision (around the base of the nipple) had more problems with breastfeeding. However, recent studies2-3 have shown no correlation between incision type and breastfeeding ability.

How long do breast implants last?

Do breast implants actually expire? While breast implants do not have an expiration date, they also don’t last a lifetime. Saline or silicone implants typically last for around 10 to 15 years. Up to 20% of women have their implants removed or replaced within 10 years.

How to tell if someone has had a boob job?

Breasts are mainly fat, which gives them a bounce; implants don’t move in the same manner. Look at how her breasts move (or don’t move) when she stretches or reaches back. If they don’t flatten out and keep the same size, they’re most likely false.

Will breast implants sag after breastfeeding?

Most women are led to believe that if they have breast implants their breasts are more likely to fall or change their aesthetic appearance. The report clarifies that breast feeding is not a factor in causing the woman’s breasts to sag after breast feeding with or without breast implants.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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